Janine and the Field Day Finish

by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Today is field day and even though Janine is not good at sports, she is ready to compete. Her body just doesn't work like the other kids'. But no matter what, Janine cheers for everyone and tries her best. During the big race, her classmate Abby trips and falls. Janine is right there to help. But Abby is crushed that she won't win the race. Can Janine teach Abby and her classmates that being a winner is not always about being number one?

Genres: Picture Books, Sports, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2016

About the author

Maryann Cocca-Leffler of NH, is the Author and Illustrator of over
60 books for children. Maryann’s book, Janine (2015) and its new sequel, Janine and the Field Day Finish (2016), were inspired by her daughter, Janine. Together they have developed a corresponding website, www.janinesparty.com with a mission to help change public perception of children with disabilities. Other books include, A Homemade Together Christmas, Bus Route to Boston and Bravery Soup.
Now a playwright, Maryann wrote a play based on her Princess KIM books. Princess K.I.M. The Musical won a National New Play Festival in 2012 and has had sold out performances on the East and West coasts. Princess K.I.M. The Musical is now represented by Stagerights.com, a licensing agency in LA to bring the play National.

Maryann grew up in the Boston area (read Bus Route To Boston!) and attended Massachusetts College of Art and Design where she received a BFA in Illustration. Her very first book, Thanksgiving at the Tappletons’ written by Eileen Spinelli, was published in 1982 and has been re-released in 2015 as a classic. When not in her studio, Maryann is traveling, visiting schools and attending her play.

If you are interested in a school visit, please check out the VISITS link on my website:
www.MaryannCoccaLeffler.com
www.JaninesParty.com
www.PrincessKimTheMusical.com

Reviews

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janine has trouble with her vision and her body doesn't work like the other kids', but she is hopeful and excited about field day. She thinks maybe this time she can run the whole way around the track. Janine is not worried about winning--she just wants to finish. Abby is a classmate whose heart is set on winning the race. She makes fun of Janine for her spectacular cheers and lucky ribbons on her shoes. When Abby falls during the race, Janine is right there to help her up and finishes the race with her. Abby learns that winning isn't everything.

I love to use the Janine books (yes--there's another one, simply titled JANINE) in my first grade classroom. It is important to me that my students see kids of all kinds portrayed in the books we read. Janine helps us to see that kids with different abilities are important and valuable, too! Maryann Cocca-Leffler takes her experiences with her own daughter, Janine, and shares them with all of us in such a beautiful way. Definitely check this book out!

[Courtenay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. Love the spirit of the little protagonist, Janine, who is not good at sports but is high in positive attitude. Her message could teach all the fixed-mindset kids out there a thing or three. Yay Janine! Yay Maryann Cocca-Leffler!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ages 5 and up. A crucially important message that - despite our world's obsession with success - it's really okay to try and not do well. The important thing is to try and to always be ready to help others. Janine has an unnamed disability that makes her body simply not work as well as the other kids. She participates in the race at school anyway and helps out a classmate that falls. Because the diagnosis isn't named, this story will help a countless number of disabled kids feel seen and represented.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every teacher should read this to their students throughout the year, but especially before Field Day.
As a retired teacher I found Field Day challenging because winning was the only thing most students had on the mind. This book teaches that it is not just about winning. My first grade and 3rd grade tutor students LOVED it, and they were asking for more books about Janine. ( I love to hear that)

[Abigail Breaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is centered around Janine, who is autistic. She helps a friend and in the end she actually achieves something she never has before by doing so! I think that this could be used in the classroom to teach students that sometimes people can do things that others can't (and that's okay) and that maybe the weaknesses that someone has can be complimented by the strengths of another person!

[Madeline Masluk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This teaches children that even though sometimes people come in last it does not mean that they did not finish. I think that is one of the important concepts in the story. I would give this book a try.

[Jolynne Dougherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compassion, Autism, Self-acceptance - I love this one more than I loved the first one. I hope the author will write more. Janine is not graceful in her physical movements, but her heart is full of grace for a classmate.

[Ellis Whinihan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! What a great message for young girls in this book!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janine likes field day even if she struggles a bit with it. Janine isn't particularly good at sports. Cocca-Leffler says that Janine "can't see well, and her body doesn't work as well as other kids." The other kids only care about winning, but Janine knows that there are more important things such as having a good time and helping others. So Janine knows just what to do when another girl, Abby, hurts herself and struggles to finish the race. I love how Janine is just brimming with positivity and optimism. She also sets a good example for children with helping and cheering for others with chants such as "You can do it. Try your best!" Another fun story about the awesome Janine!

[Jesse Freedom · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's nice to read a book that teaches children that there are more important things than winning and encourages participating in things.

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janine helps Abby feel better after losing the race.

[Jennifer Miera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book on inclusivity and celebrating differences.